HELP REDUCE THE SPREAD OF COVID-19

UPDATE FROM NISGA’A EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE April 23, 2020 – Nisga’a Lisims Government’s Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) continues

to operate at EOC Level 1, which involves continuous monitoring of the Pandemic. We all need to continue to work together to keep the spread of COVID-19 from reaching

the Nass Valley. Post Easter Weekend – if people were not self-isolating throughout the Easter Weekend, there could be an increase of infections within 4-14 days from April 14th. There continues to be gatherings and challenge events occurring where social distancing is not being practiced. It is mandatory for everyone to remain at least Two Meters apart from each other. There is a health and wellness risk by now following these precautions. The Emergency Preparedness Committee, with recommendations from Nisga’a Valley Health Authority (NVHA), are now imposing Mandatory Self Isolation. This is no longer voluntary. Self-Isolation means staying at home and avoiding situations where you could come in contact with others. You may not self-isolate where you will be in contact with vulnerable people, such as seniors and individuals with underlying health conditions. Everyone living on Nisga’a Lands is accountable for this, we must continue to be prepared for the worst case scenario. In preparation, everyone should be getting prepared for the long term isolation periods, this includes groceries, medications, cleaning supplies and any other essentials you require for at least 2 weeks.

Social Distancing: Stay Home, refrain from any type of large social gathering, both indoor and outdoor alike – gatherings of more 5 people outside household is prohibited, 5 or less people should still social distance

Self-Isolate: If you are returning from a major urban center outside of the Nass

Valley, self-isolate in your home for a minimum of 14 days – this applies to all household members

Wash your Hands: Frequently wash with warn lathering soap and/or hand sanitizer

for at least 20 seconds. Clean and disinfect all frequently touched surfaces regularly with 1:10 bleach solution.

Non-Essential Travel: Avoid any Non-Essential travel at all costs and stay home

NISGA’A NATION COVID-19 FUNDING: At its regular monthly meeting on April 22, 2020 the NLG Executive reviewed and discussed the recommendations of the Nisga’a Finance Committee in respect of the allocation of the $1,330,594 received from Canada’s COVID-19 Indigenous Community Support Fund. Through Executive Resolution the Executive unanimously voted in favour of allocating the fund as follows:

Gitlaxt’aamiks Village Government $166,324.25 Gitwinksihlkw Village Government $166,324.25 Laxgalts’ap Village Government $166,324.25 Gingolx Village Government $166,324.25 Gitmaxmak’ay Prince Rupert/Port Edward Nisga’a Society $166,324.25 Gitlaxdax Terrace Nisga’a Society $166,324.25 Nisga’a Ts’amiks Vancouver Society $166,324.25 Nisga’a Lisims Government $166,324.25

In addition to the Indigenous Community Support Fund, Nisga’a Lisims Government also received from Canada’s Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) the sum of $260,819 to be allocated between the four Nisga’a Villages to assist with their response to the COVID-19 pandemic in preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery. The Executive also approved the Nisga’a Finance Committee’s recommendation to transfer $231,300 to the Nisga’a Village Governments for Social Assistance supplemental funding of $300 per month for 3 months to mirror the Province of British Columbia’s Income & Disability Assistance program. The NLG Executive understands the COVID-19 pandemic is continually evolving and going forward will continue to consider further funding opportunities with the ultimate goal of supporting the health and safety of the Nisga’a Nation to abide by health orders to social distance, stay home, self-isolate and to avoid non-essential travel.

PARKS AND RECREATIONAL SITE REMAIN CLOSED: The following areas continue to be closed to everyone, all tourist attractions in the Nass Valley are closed, which includes the following

- Hlgu Isgwit Hot Springs - CLOSED

- Anhluut’ukswim Angwinga’asa’anskwhl Nisga’a Lava Bed Memorial Park - CLOSED

- Recreational Sites (Boat launches, Skidoo areas and recreational fishing) - CLOSED

- Hlginx Park - CLOSED

TEXT MESSAGING

- Texts have been known to be sent to inform people of results of a potential COVID-19

test and needing more information. BC does not text results or request information. All

information at this time is done by phone call.

NEW BC COVID-19 SUPPORT APP FOR ITUNES AND GOOGLE DEVICES This new app is designed for you to stay informed about COVID-19 in BC and determine what actions and next steps you should take. Recommendations are personalized and based on your personal risk factors. You can retrieve timely updates with important news and alerts from BC Ministry of Health. The app is still being upgraded as needed, but has useful information. ENFORCEMENT REPORTING TOOL If any citizens witness tourists on Nisga’a Lands, please refrain from approaching them. Please visit the Nisga’a Compliance and Enforcement’s online reporting tool at http://reportviolation.nisgaanation.ca to report any incidents. The Compliance and Enforcement team will receive your report instantaneously.

In the Spirit of Sayt-K’ilim-Goot,

NISGA’A EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE: NISGA’A Lisims Government, NISGA’A Valley Health Authority, RCMP Lisims Nass Valley,

GITLAXT’AAMIKS Village Government, GITWINKSIHLKW Village Government, LAXGALTS’AP Village Government, GINGOLX Village Government

WWW.NISGAANATION.CA/COVID-19